I've just watched Liverpool's nil-nil draw at Anfield against Fulham and I started tweeting my thoughts on the state of things but writing everything I was thinking far exceeds the limitations of a 140-character post, so I'll break my LFC blog-duck. Where do I start? I'm feeling quite philosophical.
The season has been pretty much a write-off. The unexpected, prolonged nature of Aquilani's injury woes have played a big part. I'm certain Rafa and his team were confident he would be a regular starter to build a post-Alonso team around, by at least Christmas. Rafa's team selection and tactics have been dictated for much of the season by his absence and the limitations of our squad soon became apparant.
Some say Rafa should never have 'gambled' on spending so much on an injured player, not least when he was brought in to replace one of our most influential players, Xabi. But we can only guess which other players in that position were available and obtainable with the money we had to spend. Maybe Aquilani was the best prospect and so it was worth the wait of what we thought was a much shorter spell on the sidelines. I don't think I'm being naive or blindly pro-Rafa, but I think we should give our leader the benefit of the doubt on this one. Pundits have written Il Principino off but, and I don't know the exact stats, the Italian has only featured in about 20 games in all competitions, many as brief, cameo, sub appearances. Very few, if any, have been 90-minute run outs. I haven't made my mind up yet. On the plus side, unless we are really unfortunate, he surely won't miss so many games next season. With Aqua a more regular starter the way the team plays will surely be different. What we can take from his spells on the pitch so far is that he is a quick, one-two touch passer who likes to creep forward.
Other positives - yes there are some to take from the season, honest - is the emergence of Martin Kelly and Daniel Pacheco. Glen Johnson too has added a new dimension to our attack. I'm desperate to see more of Pacheco. He's looked very positive and direct in possession when he's come off the bench, using the ball well and making clever runs off the ball. With 4th place realistically gone, I'm crossing my fingers Rafa will give him a start. Maybe we don't need to buy a striker in the summer? I'd rather we spent a decent sum on a quality wide-man or two. Kuyt could be deployed more regularly up front, whether in rotation or in tandem with Torres depending on injuries to El Nino and Stevie G. Riera will be gone so two side midfielders (sorry, Pro Evo speak) would be useful recruits. A more defensively sound left-back should undoubtedly be a top priority.
I won't buy into is all the rumours that Gerrard and Torres will walk this summer without the prospect of CL football. There's every chance this season is a blip (Lord I hope so!) and that they will see it as that. Gerrard, if not Torres too, will feel like they owe it to the fans. Only if next season was a shower should we worry on that front.
Let's stay positive, win the Europa League, get that longed for investment this summer and put this wretched season behind us.
Walk On.
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Ben, quite enjoyed this. Think that you've correctly identified key problem areas, which are out wide and at left back, although I really like the look of Chris Mavinga in the long term.
ReplyDeleteWe do need goals from more areas of the team as today was ample proof that whilst creating chances, that killer touch goes absent without Torres.
Don't think any of the big names will walk yet. I do think however and have for a while that money apart, a season out of the Champions' League could do us the world of good.
I can see where you're coming from, maybe no CL will focus our attentions on the league campaign. At the same time though if we end up with a full Europa League campaign ahead of us - potentially that's a lot of added games. That's why Maxi & Soto are inspired signings. Cost Jack all and add quality depth to squad. Sadly we might have to rely on one or two more bargain recruits this summer such as the big Standard Liege striker whose name, embarrassingly, escapes me. Regardless of all the doom though, would be a tad surprised if we didn't find some cash to make one 10mil-plus signing.
ReplyDeleteGot to be honest I haven't had the chance to see Mavinga in action - heard promising things though. There's work going on at youth level that people unattached to the club don't seem to recognise.
Good to hear your thoughts.